Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Reclaimed Wood Structure with Seamless Glass Facade Nestled in Mountain Landscape

Reclaimed Wood Structure with Seamless Glass Facade Nestled in Mountain Landscape
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
With a louvered facade made from reclaimed wood and large seamless glass panels offering panoramic views, the design creates a seamless interplay between indoor and outdoor living in a compact mountain retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reclaimed wood louvered facade enhances solar shading while adding texture.
02
Seamless glass panels provide unobstructed views and natural light throughout.
03
A gravity-fed water cistern system ensures independent water access.
04
The design incorporates a multifunctional outdoor fireplace that supports wind turbines.
05
Murphy bed optimizes living space in the compact interior layout.

## Micro Cabin in North Carolina

### Overview

Situated in the mountainous region of North Carolina, the Micro Cabin exemplifies a modern approach to high-performance design and sustainable living. The intent is to create a compact yet efficient dwelling that aligns with the natural landscape while fostering a strong connection between occupants and their surroundings. The design incorporates both indoor and outdoor living areas, facilitating interaction with nature.

### Exterior Form and Materiality

The cabin's exterior features a contemporary aesthetic achieved through the use of natural materials. Key components include reclaimed wood, which provides structural integrity and aesthetic warmth; seamless glass that maximizes natural light and offers unobstructed views; concrete used for a robust foundation that encourages effective water drainage; and steel that supports the cabin's structural framework.

This deliberate selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability by minimizing waste and highlighting low-embodied carbon options. The inclusion of technologies such as wind turbines further enhances the cabin's eco-friendly profile, demonstrating an integrated approach to energy efficiency.

### Spatial Layout and Unique Features

The spatial strategy of the cabin emphasizes multi-functionality and efficient use of limited space. The living area, featuring an indoor/outdoor fireplace, serves as a central gathering point while promoting an engaging ecosystem through surrounding planters. The inclusion of a Murphy bed optimizes the space for various uses, and the innovative bathroom design incorporates a toilet with a built-in sink for enhanced water efficiency.

Distinctive features augment the cabin's practicality, such as an outdoor fireplace that supports renewable energy generation and a helicopter pad designed for versatile use. Additionally, a gravity-fed water cistern supports self-sufficiency in water management. The louvered façade not only provides shading but also creates dynamic light play on the cabin's surfaces, enhancing its architectural interest.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in